Record-breaking rainfalls nationwide

One week's rain reaches five times national average for November; more than half of yearly quota reached in some areas.

Tova Dvorin, 11/11/15 08:28

Rain in Israel (illustration)

Yonatan Sindel / Flash 90

One week of continuous rainfall has broken records across Israel, the Meteorological Service announced Wednesday, with unprecedented precipitation before winter has formally begun.

333 mm (13.1 inches) of rain fell in the Sharon region over the past month, they said - over five times the national average of 64 mm (2.5 inches). In total, less than one month's worth of rain in the area has fulfilled 63% of the area's annual rainfall, despite winter not officially starting.

The southern coastal plain and Ashkelon area has benefitted as well, with rainfall Monday reaching 92 mm (3.6 inches) in one hour - three times the November precipitation average and breaking a 2008 record. Overall, Ashkelon has received 55% of its annual rainfall in less than one month, and 5.5 times more rain than average.

Even in the Negev, where rainfall reached 25-50 mm (0.9 - 1.96 inches), the amounts are far greater than the average for the same period.

In the north, meanwhile, 50mm-100mm (1.96-3.93 inches) of rain constitute 150% of the monthly average, with percentages markedly higher near the coast.

Forecast

Localized rain will fall periodically throughout southern and central Israel Wednesday afternoon, after an unusually cold night Tuesday. The rain is due to stop completely by Thursday night; several areas will see a small rise in temperatures.